The Dutch instrumental rock group Focus was formed at the end
of the 60s by guitarist Jan Akkerman and cofounder keyboardist
/ flutist Thjis van Leer. Quite a number of albums later both
artists are still in their primeAkkerman as a prolific guitarist
in Europe and van Leer as the current leader of Focus. Still keeping
the arty instrumental guitar-centric sound alive on the 2007 CD release
of Focus 9 / New Skin, van Leer adds guitarist
Niels van der Steenhoven to fill the void of Akkerman, while
producer / bassist Bobby Jacobs and Dutch drumming legend Pierre
van der Linden make a formidable rhythm section. Hats off to Euro
keyboard icon Thjis van Leer for keeping the Euro flavored Focus classical
/ jazz fusion sound alive and well in the new millennium. www.redbullet.nl/ www.focustheband.com